Red-shouldered Hawk
I love to spend Sunday mornings outdoors, provided it’s sunny and not too cold. It’s a routine I’ve really come to cherish over the past year or so: coffee, a book, perhaps, or some music, and the birds. And this morning was just perfect for it. The sun is shining. There’s not a cloud in the sky, and it very much feels like early spring. I also got a surprise visitor this morning, which made today a bit special: a Cooper’s Hawk.
I don’t see Cooper’s Hawks very often; although, I know they’re around. Much more common in my backyard is the Red-shouldered Hawk, which I see almost daily–and if I don’t see them everyday, you can be sure I hear them everyday. Red-shouldered Hawks have a loud, shrieking call, and they are very vocal.
The Cooper’s Hawk, on the other hand, seems to visit sporadically, which is probably fortunate. When a Cooper’s Hawk visits, it’s typically because he/she is hunting the songbirds at my feeder. This morning’s visit was brief, and “Coop” didn’t try to grab a meal.
Red-shouldered Hawks do not hunt the birds at my feeder. They typically perch low to the ground and look for voles, other small rodents, and snakes. (Anything that hunts voles is welcome in my garden anytime.) I’ve also observed that the songbirds don’t seem to be too bothered by Red-shouldered Hawks. That is, they continue feeding and going about their business as usual when these hawks are around.
When a Cooper’s Hawk is in the area, though, I often know before I see it. Because all of the little birds at my feeder either scatter or freeze. That is, they sit motionless for long periods, without making a sound, until the threat has passed.
In the past two years, I have not witnessed a successful depredation attempt in my backyard; although, I have observed four or five unsuccessful attempts, one of which occurred last week when a Cooper’s Hawk very narrowly missed a Chipping Sparrow. In a way, I was glad he missed, but I never fail to be amazed at how fast these birds are and how quickly they strike. They’re impressive and fascinating creatures. And their red eyes, I think, make them look especially fierce.
I hope you enjoy these photographs and have a beautiful Sunday.
The Used Life 
20 responses to “A Tale of Two Hawks”
Magnificent
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Thank you very much!
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Exact word to my mind too!!
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Thank you so much!
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Thanks for showing the different hawks side by side. I do get confused sometimes
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My pleasure! It can get confusing sometimes. I appreciate your comment, VJ!
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You’re welcome
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Wow, what majestic birds. And stunning photos. It does seem like the perfect spring day.
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Thank you! It was a gorgeous day. And the hawks are always a treat. So visually striking and interesting to observe.
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Such stunning photos of these majestic birds! Love the differences captured so clearly between them.
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Thank you, Layla! They are a majestic sight, to be sure.
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There is so much majestic beauty in your photos. Overwhelming emotion looking at your photos – a bird of prey that offers significant symbolism for me. Thank you so much for sharing part of your incredible world with us! I love your Sunday morning routine. Though given the surprises of nature, I doubt it is ever routine. 😁
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Thank you so much, Michele! My Sunday morning routine is one I hold dear. 😊 Birds of prey are special. In fact, I just took some photos of a juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk this morning that I hope to post soon. I’m delighted you enjoyed these.
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You are welcome. 😊 I look forward to more beautiful shares!
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really nice & very clear… these raaptors seem somewhat accustomed to your proximity.
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Thank you! Interesting you should say that: I was thinking the same thing when the Cooper’s Hawk perched nearby on Sunday morning. I was surprised he tolerated my presence. I imagine they must be somewhat accustomed to people.
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Maybe its interest in the bird feeders ouweigh your presence… I am more surprised by the red-shouldered, I think. They were more unusual to come across in NJ. Maybe they are a more southern bird, in preference.
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Ha you’re probably right. As for the Red-shouldereds…they do seem to be common here. There’s at least one mating pair here in the neighborhood (I’ve been seeing the two together a lot lately.), and they’re active all year. I awoke one morning to find one on the front lawn clawing at the ground. He dug up a vole and flew off with it in his mouth.
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Oh that’s wonderful. Well, less so for the vole. Is it like a neighborhood or more rural there?
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No, it’s a neighborhood, a suburb of Charlotte. We do have a lot of trees, though, and some patches of woods in the neighborhood. I’m assuming that’s the main attraction.
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